So what causes erectile dysfunction? Sometimes it is a circulation problem. Sometimes it is a low testosterone issue. Sometimes it is not. Testosterone (T) supplementation can help ED and low libido in cases of low T and even if there is a normal T level at baseline, ED can be helped. In cases where thyroid under or overactivity is causing T levels to be less than optimal. Aging is also a problem as T levels drop after mid 20’s and as adipose tissue increases and aromatase enzyme conversion of T to Estrogen correspondingly increases. This causes an unfavorable E:T ratio which equates to low T.

While the rationale behind why it would work is airtight, the research on arginine’s actual effect on erectile dysfunction is slim, points out Charles Walker, M.D., assistant professor of urology and cofounder of the Cardiovascular and Sexual Health clinic at Yale University. But given its solid safety profile, minimal side effects, and potential benefit on heart disease, it’s worth a try, he adds, especially when taken in conjunction with other herbs on this list, which studies have shown can be more effective.
Important Caution: Before choosing Yohimbe be sure to let your doctor know you are interested in using this herb. Yohimbe should not be use in those people with low blood pressure or who are on blood pressure medications. Never exceed the dosage of this herb. Not to be taken at the same time you eat cheese, liver or red wine, all of which contain the amino acid tyramine. In addition, there have been many reports that French and American Yohimbine products did not actually contain any yohimbe, but caffeine instead. Before choosing to purchase any Yohimbe product, be sure that it is from a reputable, high-quality source. Never exceed suggested dosage of Yohimbe, as it may be toxic in high doses. Always follow the guidelines on the label of the product you have purchased.
Making sure you have healthy ways of coping with stress is part of maintaining good sexual health. If necessary, you may want to look into consulting a medical professional about the best way to manage your emotions and keep your stress levels in check. One study found that participants with ED who underwent an eight-week stress management program emerged with significantly improved symptoms. It might also be a good idea to address any relationship issues that could be leading to anxiety in the bedroom.

That said, I think that guys like myself who eat a ton of plant foods have to be consider the fact that they may not always be getting all the niacin they could. Men with lower niacin status can probably give their erectile strength and cardiovascular health a nice boost by consuming more niacin-rich plant foods. There are many plant foods, such as broccoli and mushrooms that are quite high in niacin. I actually consume nutritional yeast and BPA-free sardines daily and get a nice amount of niacin this way on top of my regular diet. Therefore, I feel that I am likely maximizing my erectile strength by combining the best of both worlds, i.e. some NO-boosting plant foods and high niacin foods as well. (Both sardines and nutritional yeast also have a decent amount of protein as well, which is important to me since I enjoy lifting weights.)

Aside from pelvic floor exercises, it has been found out that aerobic exercises also work in treating erectile dysfunction. This condition is often caused by problems related to blood flow to the penis. Diabetes, obesity, vascular disease as well as high cholesterol may affect blood flow. This results to erectile dysfunction. By adding some aerobic exercises to your routine, you can significantly enhance your overall male sexual health and may even remove the problem totally in the long run.
Oysters are also a great source of zinc, with just 3 ounces providing 493% of your recommended daily intake. In fact, oysters are so rich in zinc that eating too much can cause an accidental zinc overdose, so just be wary of this. Bear in mind as well that oysters are a common source of food poisoning, and they are also very high in cholesterol – might be best to stick to your nuts and seeds!
Although there have been sufficient data on the relationship between ED and several wellrecognized risk factors which including aging, coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, and pelvic surgeries, little attention has been paid by the urologists to the role of lifestyle factors in ED. However, accumulating data from basic science and clinical studies have determined a link between the occurrence of ED and a number of lifestyle factors, such as smoking, obesity, alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity. The application of findings from animal and human studies to the clinical practice regarding the modification of lifestyle factors could help to improve ED as well as reducing the risks of developing cardiovascular diseases (14).
E.D. may just be that early warning sign. Erections depend on blood flow, and blood flow depends on nice, wide-open arteries. Atherosclerosis doesn’t just affect the arteries around your heart; if you have plaque build-up, you are likely to have it all around the arterial system — and the penile artery is one of the smallest arteries you have (no matter what you claim about your size). So if you have atherosclerosis, then the plaque there will be one of the first places where you would notice a decline in blood flow.
Move a muscle, but we're not talking about your biceps. A strong pelvic floor enhances rigidity during erections and helps keep blood from leaving the penis by pressing on a key vein. In a British trial, three months of twice-daily sets of Kegel exercises (which strengthen these muscles), combined with biofeedback and advice on lifestyle changes — quitting smoking, losing weight, limiting alcohol — worked far better than just advice on lifestyle changes.

DHEA. DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a natural hormone that the body uses to make the male hormone testosterone. DHEA and testosterone decrease with age, just as ED increases with age, so it seems that taking DHEA might protect against ED. But Harris says that "it is unlikely that taking DHEA would raise your testosterone enough to make much difference." DHEA should not be used by people with liver problems; it also has many side effects.

There was a higher incidence of adverse events in those taking niacin. However, most patients could tolerate it at the maximum dosage (1,500 mg/day). With this in mind, niacin could be an alternative choice of treatment for patients with ED. Despite the success of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors), such as sildenafil, only around 60–70% of patients have a satisfactory response to this class of drugs. And there are adverse effects such as headache, flushing, dyspepsia, nasal congestion, and impaired vision, including photophobia and blurred vision. Hence, there is a need to develop other therapeutic agents for those patients who do not respond satisfactorily to PDE5 inhibitors or are contraindicated for those such as sildenafil.
Alprostadil self-injection. With this method, you use a fine needle to inject alprostadil (Caverject Impulse, Edex) into the base or side of your penis. In some cases, medications generally used for other conditions are used for penile injections on their own or in combination. Examples include papaverine, alprostadil and phentolamine. Often these combination medications are known as bimix (if two medications are included) or trimix (if three are included).

Aside from pelvic floor exercises, it has been found out that aerobic exercises also work in treating erectile dysfunction. This condition is often caused by problems related to blood flow to the penis. Diabetes, obesity, vascular disease as well as high cholesterol may affect blood flow. This results to erectile dysfunction. By adding some aerobic exercises to your routine, you can significantly enhance your overall male sexual health and may even remove the problem totally in the long run.

Researchers found that this compound, delivering 6mg of yohimbine HCL and 3.25g of L-arginine, significantly improved erectile function in those with mild-to-moderate ED. [15] L-arginine is an amino acid that acts as a precursor to and plays a critical role in nitric oxide production. Yohimbine paired with a compound encouraging nitric oxide production may be the perfect combination for significantly decreasing or eliminating symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
I am so grateful Jacqui, I am seeing my girlfriend tomorrow and feel like the problem is pretty much gone! I can't believe it I thought I was broken!!! I have searched on sooo many sites and got so much bad advice and feel like posting the link of your site on all of those others. As this is a horrible problem and your method will work for me - so guys need to know this! Many, many thanks for the help.
Several studies have shown that erectile dysfunction is somehow linked to problems with cardiovascular health — which one comes first has been the question. It makes sense; the penis becomes erect through a complex system of blood vessels and spongy tissue called the corpora cavernosa — this is where the blood gets trapped, causing the erection. When problems arise through this system, whether they’re caused in the brain or through problems with the blood vessels, the penis can’t get erect.
In fact, dyslipidemia is commonly found in ED patients, and studies show that statins can help to improve the response of PDE5 inhibitors in those suffering from ED precisely because they improve atherosclerosis. Consequently, statins can be used as a treatment in patients with an unsatisfactory response to PDE5 inhibitors, yet there are problems with statins too, among them raised liver enzymes and muscle problems, some of which can be quite serious and even deadly (rhabdomylosis).
Along with promoting overall health, a sufficient daily magnesium intake can help significantly if you take zinc to promote healthy erectile function or to help alleviate ED. Zinc is often recommended as a natural ED remedy, particularly for men who have a zinc deficiency, according to MayoClinic.com. Magnesium helps regulate zinc levels in the body to support healthy erectile function. Herbs, vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, haven’t been widely studied in terms of their true benefits for men with ED or other erectile problems, but maintaining adequate levels of essential vitamins and minerals may help a doctor narrow down the cause of such problems.
In the United States, certain prescription drugs containing yohimbine have been approved since the 1980s. They are labeled Yohimbine hydrochloride (which go by the brand names Aphrodyne or Yocon). Yohimbine medications are prescribed most commonly to treat sexual dysfunction in both men and women caused by a number of factors like aging, hormonal imbalances or side effects of medications.
There are so many potential reasons a man might develop erectile dysfunction (ED), it's nearly impossible to generalize the best ways to treat it. What works for one man may not work for another simply because they are having problems for different reasons. That said, it may encouraging to hear that there are a variety of options that may be considered, from psychological counseling to lifestyle changes, medications to treatments and devices.
Female rats were injected subcutaneously estradiol benzoate 12 μg in olive oil and 0.5 mg progesterone (Sigma chemicals, USA) in olive oil, 48 hrs and six hours prior to introduction to the males.[11] A cervical smear was observed under a light microscope and females in their estrous cycle were included in the study. Observations were performed during the dark phase of the day cycle (19.00 hours) under dim red light. After two hours of the last dose, rats were placed individually in transparent observation cages for 15 minutes adaptation period. A stimulus-receptive female was introduced to each male by gently dropping them in to the observation cage.
For best results, men with ED take these pills about an hour or two before having sex. The drugs require normal nerve function to the penis. PDE5 inhibitors improve on normal erectile responses helping blood flow into the penis. Use these drugs as directed. About 7 out of 10 men do well and have better erections. Response rates are lower for Diabetics and cancer patients.

It's also important to remember that your mental health plays as much a part of your sexual ability as your physical health. Stress and other mental health concerns can cause or make erectile dysfunction worse. Minor health problems may slow your sexual response, but the accompanying anxiety that comes with the slow sexual response can shut things down entirely.

Thirty two male rats were randomly assigned to four groups and submitted to one of the following daily treatment regimens: (a) 1 mg of ZnSO4 dissolved in 1 ml of distilled water. (b) 5 mg of ZnSO4 dissolved in 1 ml of distilled water (c) 10 mg of ZnSO4 dissolved in 1 ml of distilled water. Controls were provided with 1 ml of distilled water. Supplementation was done orally using a feeding tube. These daily regimens were continued for two weeks (daily at 17.00 hours) and housed two per cage.
To maximize efficacy, you should consume this stack in a fasted or semi-fasted state and at least 6 hours before bedtime. This stack is going to significantly increase your heart rate and blood pressure so be watch out for overexertion if you choose to take the ECY stack immediately before an intense weightlifting session. Some users also choose to alternate consuming EC and EY to obtain some of the positive effects without being overstimulated.
Exercise helps to maintain blood circulation to this region and strengthens your heart so it can pump blood more effectively when at rest. As you exercise, your blood vessels dilate and more capillaries open so that blood can effectively be moved to where it is needed. Much of this blood is routed via the genital region, opening the network of vessels which feed the penis. The region will receive an improved circulation as a result even when your body is at rest, and increased blood flow to the skin itself brings the added benefit of greater sensitivity.

A complete sexual behavioral cycle of males involved pre sexual performances, copulation and ultimate ejaculation. Pre sexual behavior comprises physical contact with the female, sniffing and licking of female genital area, licking of their own penis, and few mounts without intromissions. Although all induced females were screened for receptivity, some females showed a mild rejection in the beginning. However, there were no rejections when they were coupled with very active males. All animals which completed the behavioral cycle showed a normal pattern of behavior (not an aberrant sexual behaviour) during the observation period.

The response to yohimbine did not vary with patient age; the responders were 60.3 y of age vs 60.0 for the nonresponders (Table 4; P=0.106). The number of medical risk factors was slightly higher in the nonresponders (2.3 per person) compared with the responders (1.8 per person), but this difference was not significant (P=0.346). Documenting the quality of the men's erections in the office with a simple grading system showed a significant difference at the end of the study between responders and nonresponders. For the responders, the value was 3.0 compared with 1.9 for the nonresponders (P<0.001). This result correlated with the overall sexual satisfaction of patients who stated whether or not they were able to engage in regular sexual intercourse.

When given orally, yohimbine reaches peak levels in 10–15 min, and the half-life is 0.6 h. The efficacy of yohimbine in sexual function has been questioned, perhaps because of early questionable multidrug preparations.10,11 Yohimbine has been shown to have some effect on psychologic erectile dysfunction12,13 and in reversing fluoxetine-induced sexual dysfunction.14

Does diabetes cause erectile dysfunction? Diabetes can lead to lower levels of testosterone, and this can result in erectile dysfunction. Controlling blood sugar levels, maintaining a healthy weight, getting exercise, and reducing stress are all ways of reducing this problem. Hormone therapy, Viagra, and counseling are some ways that medicine can help. Read now

The Florida Sexual History Questionnaire, a 20-item questionnaire that assesses interest and desire for sexual activity, sexual development, current sexual behaviors, and satisfaction with current sexual activity, was used to assess male sexual dysfunction. Individuals responded to each question by choosing one of six ordinally scaled response categories, with higher scores representing better functioning. Scores on the Florida Sexual History Questionnaire have been shown to significantly discriminate between men with and without impotence25 and between men with primary organic and primary psychogenic erectile dysfunction.26 According to Geisser et al,25 the Florida Sexual History Questionnaire has high internal consistency as well as split-half reliability. Chronbach's alpha has been reported to be as high as 0.90, and Spearman Brown's coefficient is reported to be 0.86.

The art of acupuncture has become the new treatment for everything from back pain, depression, and even ED. Impotence could be more of a state of mind, and acupuncture may help. Through this alternative therapy, fine needles are placed in various parts of the body to relieve pain or stress. Although there are many mixed studies for acupuncture and ED, many tend to confirm positive results. A 1999 study found acupuncture improved the quality of erection and even restored sexual activity in 39 percent of participants.
Poor sleep patterns can be a contributing factor for erectile dysfunction, Mucher says. One review published in the journal Brain Research emphasized the intricate relationship between the level of sex hormones like testosterone, sexual function, and sleep, noting that testosterone levels increase with improved sleep, and lower levels are associated with sexual dysfunction. Hormone secretion is controlled by the body’s internal clock, and sleep patterns likely help the body determine when to release certain hormones.
Yohimbe can interact with several drugs and medications, so it’s not safe for everybody to use. Don’t take yohimbe bark if you’re currently taking any ACE inhibitor drug, beta blocker, SSRI drug, MAOI, stimulants or caffeine-containing drugs, or tricyclic antidepressant drugs. Those who have any of the conditions listed below should not take herbal treatments like yohimbe without speaking with a doctor first. This is because it may affect things like blood pressure, heart health, kidney function and neurotransmitter functions:

Erectile dysfunction can occur as a side effect of medication taken for another health condition. Common culprits are high blood pressure meds, antidepressants, some diuretics, beta-blockers, heart medication, cholesterol meds, antipsychotic drugs, hormone drugs, corticosteroids, chemotherapy, and medication for male pattern baldness, among others.

Yohimbine may have certain fat-burning abilities and work even better while someone is fasting. (11) Given that yohimbine can act as a mild stimulant, researchers have looked at whether it can help increase energy levels in those looking to become more active, or whether it has positive effects on reducing appetite, regulating blood sugar levels, or promoting growth of muscle mass that can then help with weight loss.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common sexual problems that men deal with. There are a host of different causes of ED that range from nutrient deficiencies to clinical depression. It’s important to talk to a medical professional about ED, in order to determine the cause of the issue before exploring treatment options. That said, erectile dysfunction has been found in recent years to be a symptom of zinc deficiency.